ROSELLE OR ZOBO DRINK AND YOUR HEALTH

Zobo Drink

INTRODUCTION: The ZOBO DRINK, also called ROSELLE DRINK or HIBISCUS DRINK, is derived from the HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA leaves also called ROSELLE leaves. It is taken from the HIBISCUS PLANT SPECIE, and dried. It is native to West Africa, but has spread to other parts of the world such as Sudan and Mexico. In Sudan, it is called KARKADE, SORREL by the Caribbeans and AQUAS FERCAS in Mexico.

The Zobo drink is a popular traditional or local drink in Nigeria. It is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, soluble fiber, organic acid etc. The drink works well with different food flavours ranging from (Ginger, Garlic, pineapple, lemon,  strawberry etc) depending on your preferred taste.

COMPONENTS:

-------VITAMINS - -- vitamin C, B1, B2, B3, that's                       Thiamine, Riboflavin and Naicin

-------MINERALS---- Calcium, Iron,  Phosphorus

-------ANTIOXIDANTS----Lycopene, Anthocyanin

-------FIBER

-------FAT

-------TARTARIC ACID etc

HEALTH BENEFITS OF ZOBO OR ROSELLE DRINK:

(1) ANTI CANCER:
Research has it that the zobo drink could help keep at bay cancer forming toxins, due to its high content of antioxidants. This antioxidants helps in straightening the immune system by fighting free radicals in the body system.

 Note hère that thé zobo leave, flower or drink falls between the category of RED coloured leaf or flower and PURPLE coloured leaf or flower, in which case now, it cannot be a vegetable but a flower that produces natural drinks exhibiting the properties of drinks from fruits with the history of red coloured fruits and vegetables. See picture below

Dry zobo leaves

To this end, the zobo drink is rich in antioxidant LYCOPENE and ANTHOCYANIN--- these  can help reduce the risk of cancer, protect against heart disease, stroke and other heart related diseases.

(2) HELP TREAT KIDNEY DISEASE:
The zobo drink  helps to treat kidney disease, this is because of its content of organic acid ( about 15-30%). It helps the kidney to filter out waste products such as uric and oxalic acid that can constitute to the formation of kidney stones.

Note however that, in Treating kidney stones with Zobo drink,  the zobo drink is best consumed naturally, without any additives such as sugar in order to preserve the natural components which are oxidative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory in nature.

(3) HELPS TREAT FEVER, COLD AND INFECTION: Zobo is rich in VITAMIN C, vitamin C is effective in curing and preventing fever, cold and infections. The vitamin C content of the zobo drink equally helps the immune system ward off certain diseases.

(4) HELPS TO PREVENT OSTEOPOROSIS:
 The zobo drink is rich in CALCIUM ; calcium  helps make the bones in the body stronger as well as helping the muscles to function optimally. It equally helps to enhance stronger teeth and prevent bone related diseases.

(5) HELPS TREAT ANAEMIC CASES:
 The Zobo drink is rich in IRON, and Iron in foods and drinks helps in the production of red blood cells. This means that the zobo drink can help enhance hemoglobin production in order to forestall tiredness and weakness in anaemic patients. A typical Roselle or zobo drink is as depicted below

Zobo drink with lemon slices 

(6) SUPPORT BRAIN FUNCTIONS:
 The Roselle or zobo drink is also rich in vitamin B3 otherwise called NIACIN, this helps support brain function, maintain healthy skin and also lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

(7) ENERGY BOOSTER:
The zobo drink is rich in water soluble vitamins such as RIBOFLAVIN, otherwise called vitamin B2 and THIAMINE also called vitamin B3. These help in boosting energy production in the body. The vitamins protects the nervous system, that is,  it helps maintain a healthy nervous system and boosts mineral absorption in the body. Note however that water soluble vitamins helps to break down protein and fat.

(8) HELPS EASE OFF CONSTIPATION:
 The Roselle or zobo drink is rich In FIBER, high fiber foods and drinks helps the digestive system function well, thereby facilitate free bowel movement, easing off constipation and reducing the risk of COLORECTAL CANCER.

(9) CONTROLS WEIGHT LOSS:
Zobo drink is rich in fiber,  low sugar and fat.  The high fiber content facilitates digestion. It also contains a substance that inhibits the production of AMYLSEA -- which is an enzyme that can break down complex sugar and starch. It's ability to break down complex sugar and starch, makes it a healthy drink for weight loss. It's high fiber content makes you fuller for longer thereby helps you loose weight. It's low sugar and fat content equally makes it convenient for weight loss .

(10) GOOD FOR HYPERTENSIVE CASES:
The Roselle or zobo drink is effective in the management of hypertension due to its content of anti-hypertensive properties.

MAKING ZOBO DRINK:

INGREDIENTS:

--- 1 custard zobo leaves or as required
----1-2 satchet artificial flavors (optional)
----1 chunk of ginger ( or as you like it)
----3-4 cubs of garlic (optional)
----1 lemon
---- Note  that other natural flavours such as fresh              pineapple juice and fresh orange juice could be          used,  depending on individual tastes

METHOD:

(a) Wash zobo leaves with cold water in a bowl

(b)  Put in a pot and cover the leaves with enough water.

(c)  Put to boil,  boil for10mins, then add garlic and ginger if in use.

(d)  Peel pineapple, if in use, then add the peel to the zobo that is boiling.

(e)  Boil zobo leave for 30 mins or till leaf is soft.

(f)  while zobo is boiling, extract your pineapple juice or orange juice or lemon juice if in use.

(g)  Allow already boiled zobo to cool, till its lukewarm

(h)  Using a strainer, strain to remove leaves and particles.

(I)  Add flavours of choice, natural or artificial, such as the already extracted pineapple, orange or lemon juice.

(j)  Mix well,  bottle and refrigerate. Add lemon slices for that extra minty fresh taste. Result is as depicted in the picture above.

CAUTION:

(1) According to various researches, it is said that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should keep off zobo drink,  as it can cause mis-carriage due to its ability to stimulate the blood stream.

(2) Regular consumers too,  should minimize zobo consumption, as too much or continual consumption will have a bad impact on the kidney.

Finally,  it's advisable you incorporate Roselle or zobo drink into your daily juice intake,
because it is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. these tend to exhibit the functions of anti-hypertensive, anti-bacterial properties in the body system as well as being rich in enzyme inhibitor,  that plays down on the sugar and fat content of our daily meal. Your homemade zobo drink is mostly preferable because it will enable you prepare and add the flavour of your choice whether fresh fruit flavour or artificial flavour.